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Improving the effectiveness of central-regional governance
The government's move to give greater authority to regional administrations is founded on the results of two decades of regional autonomy, and aims to improve both public spending and welfare within the broader national framework.
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Home Minister Tito Karnavian (left) presides over the inauguration ceremony of three interim governors on June 24, 2024 at the ministry in Jakarta (from right): Agus Fatoni for North Sumatra, Elen Setiadi for South Sumatra and Maj. Gen. (ret) Hassanudin for West Nusa Tenggara. (Antara/M Risyal Hidayat)
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government policy to reform regional autonomy launched more than 20 years ago has caused fundamental changes in the responsibilities of both the central administration and regional administrations.
The previous centralized government system seemed to have excluded various interests, especially the interests of regional communities. Hence, the policy to expand regional autonomy was mutually agreed to provide greater authority to regional administrations.
The principle of regional autonomy aims to encourage a harmonious relationship and mutual symbiosis between the central and regional administrations by giving greater authority to regional communities. However, regulating central-regional relations is not easy, so compromise is necessary in making the most appropriate decisions.
The close relationship between the central and regional administrations is mainly carried out based on the function of government. This relationship influences and is interdependent on both sides.
Functionally, the relationship between the central and regional administrations involves a division of tasks and authorities to implement good governance. Effective communication is of course needed between the two parties to strengthen the relationship. Central-regional communication is very important, as it will have an impact on the smooth implementation of national and local programs to improve community welfare.
The functional relationship between the central and regional administrations has been regulated in Law No. 23/2014 on regional administrations, which states that the division in government affairs is based on the idea that certain affairs of governance fall entirely under the auspices of the central government, such as foreign, defense and security, justice, monetary and fiscal, as well as religious affairs.
However, there are also matters that require regional authority, such as education, health, agriculture and other matters more directly related to the interests of a local community.
